(Belgian 1910-1985) Rodolphe Raoul Ubac was born in Malmédy, a Belgian territory, in 1910 and studied first to become a forest ranger. From 1927 until 1930 he travelled extensively on foot in France, Belgium Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. (Cobra group)

He also lived in Paris, in Belgium, in Germany and Austria and studied literature before discovering the photographic works of Man Ray and Max Ernst’s Surrealist paintings. He first opted to become a photographer and with Camille Bryen published in 1934 some poems and photos. Then Ubac became acquainted with engraving working in Hayter’s studio in 1936 in Paris.
From 1936 until 1939, Ubac worked closely with the group of Surrealist artists in Paris and his photos were often published in the famed «Minotaur» magazine.

At the outbreak of World War Two, Ubac sought refuge in Carcassonne and started to produce drawings. Back in Paris in 1942, he befriended some poets such as Jean Lescure, Raymond Queneau and Paul Eluard and provided six photos for the illustration of Lescure’s «L’Exercice de la pureté». From then on, Ubac produced large ink drawings and took part in the activities of the ...